Flying at M50: Jason Purcell trains for nationals in neighborhood

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Jason Purcell, a 54-year-old sprinter, shares this delightful shot of him during a training run at a high school north of Chicago. It’s still cold, but he’s hot. “I thought that you and other masters runners may be able to relate this,” he writes. “For me this picture says it all. It perfectly illustrates how feel when I run fast (fast for me!). The photo is by Ilene DeYoe. If I gave it a caption, it would read, ‘SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE I’M FLYING!'” Indeed, and anyone who looks this good has to feel good. See you at Lisle, Jason.

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May 31, 2012

9 Responses

  1. peter taylor - May 31, 2012

    I hope Jason does well in the sprints at nationals, which start just 9 weeks from today. Hard to believe.

    Lisle’s weather has jumped all over the place so far this month. On May 17th the low was 39 degrees, but on May 27th the high was 96. Yes, 96 in May.

    I have seen very little to date on the plans of various masters re Lisle. Attend, stay away, need more information before deciding?

    Interestingly, the Lisle meet should benefit from the confluence of at least six positive factors regarding potential attendance. If I didn’t know better I would say it will crush the existing record attendance of 1503 set in Eugene in 2000.

    I would also say that it will be the fifth nationals ever to draw over 1400 athletes, the others being San Diego (1989), Eugene (1994), Eugene (2000), and Sacramento (2010).

    What are the six factors?

    1. Among the states, Illinois has the 5th-largest population, behind only California, Texas, New York, and Florida.

    2. Among the cities, Chicago ranks third, behind New York and Los Angeles.

    3. Among the airports, Chicago’s O’Hare airport ranks second nationally behind Atlanta.

    4. National Senior Games will not be held again until 2013 in Cleveland.

    5. World outdoor masters will not be contested this year.

    6. The ability to drive rather than fly to Lisle will not be restricted to Illinois residents. Ohio residents (Ohio ranks 7th in the US) can drive to Lisle, as can those from Michigan (ranks 8th in population) and Indiana (15th). And that’s being conservative.

    Of course, I may be one of the few who still cares about such esoterica as the attendance at nationals, but we are certainly primed for a big turnout. I hope the local organizing committee (LOC) is primed as well.

  2. Matt McCubbins - May 31, 2012

    Excellent points, Pete! Here’s a 7th – perhaps the fast-approaching Olympics will have folks getting in the proper mindset for competition :-). I know I am!

  3. Bubba Sparks - May 31, 2012

    I’m sorry Jason but I can’t reach a speed to feel the way you look. And for that I am jealous yet happy for you. Bubba 😉

  4. Mary Harada - May 31, 2012

    And another reason – may be able to find a flight for a reasonable price as O’hare is a major airport – unlike some locations where we have had meets of late. But ..checked out SW airfare – and it is insanely expensive – about $180 MORE than non-stop Jet Blue – good grief. Was checking SW because I may have to cancel last minute for family reasons and SW lets you use the ticket money for up to one year later – “sigh” can’t win for losing with the crazy ticket requirements of the airlines.
    Driving is not an option nor is bus or train, transporter beam is badly needed.

  5. peter taylor - May 31, 2012

    Thanks for that, Mary. I had thought that because there were so many flights to Chicago there must be some cheap ones. So much for that idea.

    Other big issue will be getting from the airport to Lisle.

    Just 63 days to go.

    PT

  6. Aaron Thigpen - June 1, 2012

    Nice shot Jason. Looking good.

  7. Jason Purcell - June 2, 2012

    Thanks Aaron and thank you also for all your help!

  8. dave ashford - June 4, 2012

    Jason im one of your biggest belivers,your hard work to get better each year is what really is so impressive,and your relationships with other masters is just great stuff,jason and i work together and its great sharing training principles,and talk about our racing,superman flies again his feet are really off the track when he runs ,graet job jason,,p,s you have to keep rolling harry brown was on the track the other day looking for you,,,,,

  9. dave ashford - June 4, 2012

    Great article for a jason who puts in the work all day everyda
    y helping people with health and fitness,and still has to train himself real winner,and sometimes we train with snow on the ground,its all part of being the best we can be ,run fast j p if anyone deserved an great post ken, jason really desreves some light he really loves to run…..

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